Business owners in drought-stricken California and thirsty regions throughout the country are searching for ways to stay in business and reduce their water use, especially those that rely on water for operations. Businesses such as car washes are easy targets of “save water” campaigners. However, today’s modern in-bay automatic, express, or full-service car washes leave a smaller environmental footprint overall than their older, antiquated counterparts.

Sheryl S. Jackson profiled the latest trend in car washes: bright, modern, technology focused, and conservation minded businesses. In the article, which appears in the Spring 2015 issue of Car Wash Magazine, Green Forest Car Wash owner Tricia Knott is quoted sharing insights into how her washes leverage technology to minimize environmental impact, reduce water usage and provide a superior car wash with a focus on the customer experience.

Creating a good customer experience that takes the entire family into consideration is another trend appearing in some areas. At Green Forest Car Wash, a jungle theme that features elephants spraying foam on the car along with cloths that look like leaves and the site decorated with rainforest themed items makes a routine task - washing the car - fun for children. "We've heard from parents who say their children ask to go to the car wash," said Knott. "McDonald's has successfully marketed its restaurants by appealing to children, so this not only makes sense but also sets us apart in the market."

Because more customers are environmentally conscious, it's important to let customers know that your business is as well. Although many car wash owners use reclaimed water in their businesses, Knott was one of the first in her area to use an aboveground reclaim system. "This is a more environmentally sound approach because I can spot leaks before water goes into the ground, and I am not disturbing the ground by burying a system," she said. Owners moving toward above ground systems are finding them more cost-effective during construction and throughout the life of the system since maintenance is easier.

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One thing that sets Green Forest apart is its creativity. “The idea of a fun, interactive carwash made sense to both of us and our families, and a jungle theme allowed us to spotlight the critical role the rain forest plays in our ecosystem as well as underscore the importance of using environmentally friendly, water and energy saving systems,” says Knott.

According to Knott, the goal was to create a carwash that was fun, affordable, fast and environmentally friendly.

“The colorful jungle theme is fun, and we keep prices low so it's economical, the automated pay stations make it fast and easy, and the entire process is [as] eco-friendly as possible to protect our environment,” she shares.

When watching The Super Bowl this Sunday, check out the Nationwide ad with Mindy, "The Mindy Project." She walks through the El Segundo Express Car Wash, protected by NS Wash Systems' signature Lammscloth brushes. A little bit of LA in the Super Bowl! A touchdown for the car wash industry!

As you drive through the Green Forest Car Wash, you begin chanting, "Lions and tigers in a carwash, oh my." While definitely more "jungle cruise" than "emerald forest," the Green Forest Car Wash is the brainchild of Thomas Ennis and Patricia Knott, and they are updating the drive-through carwash and investing in local communities at the same time. In Hawthorne, a Los Angeles suburb, and in two locations in South Central Los Angeles, the pair brings together the expertise of Ennis' NS Wash Systems and Knott's business and real estate savvy. The company expects to invest $10 million this year in these new ventures.

The Green Forest in Los Angeles is one of the many themed car wash companies that use N/S Corporation eco car wash machine systems. Save money and the environment with our quality systems. Take a virtual tour of this exciting car wash, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

LOS ANGELES — Thomas Ennis, founder of NS Wash Systems, and Patricia Knott, who together own Green Forest Car Wash, have opened up a Dinosaur Car Wash here as well, and another will open in south central Los Angeles on June 27, according to a Los Angeles Sentinel report.

Going on the theory "you can build a better mouse trap," a pair of Los Angeles business leaders is revolutionizing the drive-through car wash and investing in local communities all at the same time. The brainchild of Thomas Ennis and Patricia Knott, Green Forest Car Wash' second theme car wash and the first-ever dinosaur car wash, is now open in south central Los Angeles at 951 W Florence. A second dinosaur car wash will open June 27 in Bell Garden at 6357 S Eastern Avenue. The company expects to invest $10 million this year in these new ventures.

When Tricia Knott decided to open a carwash in Hawthorne, California, she knew she wanted to do something different. “Carwashing is a chore,” she says, “so why not make it fun?” And that’s exactly what Knott achieved when she opened the Green Forest Car Wash four years ago.…

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If Southern California is representative of a land filled with hopes and dreams, then Green Forest Car Wash sits at the intersection of fun and determination. Stories about small business start-ups during times of economic recession often are cautionary tales, clouded by uncertainty and nervous optimism. But this five-month-old express car wash that evokes a tropical rainforest in the middle of an urban jungle projects a confident mix of L.A. funky fun and pragmatism...